2009 Saleen Dark Horse Extreme Edition Mustang - First Look

Saleen debuts "the meanest, darkest and fastest Saleen yet"

It has been an incredible year for Saleen, Inc, America's premiere niche vehicle manufacturer, with the elite 25th Anniversary Sterling Signature Edition, the unveiling of the S5S Raptor at the New York Auto Show, production of the Dan Gurney Edition, release of the Racecraft brand and now the much anticipated reveal of the 2009 Dark Horse Extreme Edition, which occurred in late September of this year. With a limited production of 25 coupes being built, this has become a perfect year end culmination of high end performance at Saleen. "Dark Horse is the meanest, darkest and fastest Saleen yet," said Chris Theodore, Saleen CEO.

The unveiling, which happened at famed The Streets of Willow Springs at Willow Springs International Raceway, featured Saleen's latest vehicles for comparison as well as a few other supercar samplings from Audi, Chevrolet, and Lamborghini for comparison where journalists had time to compare vehicles and get to know the Dark Horse personally. With Saleen's association with Rockstar Games and their latest version of the Midnight Club racing game--Midnight Club: Los Angeles (Saleen is a featured manufacturer and a S302 Extreme used for the main cover art) journalists were also treated to an early look at the game, which is due in stores in October.

More on the new Saleen Dark Horse:

The ProductThe Dark Horse provides 620HP with 600 ft.-lbs of torque with Speedlab SuperShaker option supplying exclusive styling while enhancing performance. "The vehicle takes advantage of the ram effect into the SuperShaker air box," states Dan Agnew, Powertrain Engineering Manager, "It increases pressure in the air box, which adds boost by 0.5 psi and holds air charge temperature relatively constant even with the higher boost."

StylingThis 25 unit special run combines the power and handling of the Saleen Extreme and the exclusive Heritage body style with interior and exterior cues found only in the "Dark Horse". The elite Flat Black Exterior graphics and identification, Saleen serialized engine plaque, Navigation System and sport leather seating with Alcantara inserts add to the exquisite style of this limited edition vehicle.

Content"The Dark Horse provides the capability of extreme horsepower and provides the detailed look our customers expect. By merging the Super Shaker with the Extreme powertrain we have created a no compromise solution for people looking for both performance and classic Mustang looks," states Marc Musial, Chief Powertrain Engineer.

The Dark Horse includes:

Saleen Port Matched Series VI Integrated Screw type supercharger

Forged aluminum pistons

Forged steel connecting rods

Forged steel crankshaft

The composition of the Dark Horse provides the most intense Saleen ride yet.

ProductionThe production of the 25 Dark Horse Saleen Mustangs begins November 2008.